Spectroscopy for quick, reliable analysis
At Quality Analysis, a comprehensive range of chemical analytical methods is available to you that, if necessary, we can use in addition to spectroscopy. Our experts provide you with detailed advice to find the most reliable and cost-effective analytical method for your sample and quickly provide you with a result that helps you to tackle your challenges.
Fast, reliable
measurement results
- Identification of materials, substances, liquids, fibers, and microscopic particles (as small as 1 µm) using Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy
- Verification of contamination, deposits and inclusions
- Determination of material properties using optical spectroscopy
- Quantitative assessment of known substances
- Material identification and material classification based on databases
What is spectroscopy?
Spectroscopy is a scientific method for analyzing materials that involves studying how light or other electromagnetic waves interact with substances. By measuring the absorbed or emitted radiation, conclusions can be drawn about a material’s chemical composition and structure.
This technique is used in many fields, such as chemistry, physics, and materials research, to identify substances and determine their properties. Spectroscopy is frequently used in quality assurance, environmental analysis, and pharmaceutical research.
Spectroscopy Analysis at Quality Analysis
Raman Spectroscopy
With the aid of Raman spectroscopy, we analyse your samples reliably in relation to the:
- Identification of organic and inorganic samples (e.g. plastics, fibres)
- Composition of samples
- Crystal orientation
Raman spectroscopy is used in these areas:
- Residual dirt analysis
- Verification and identification of filmic contamination
- Identification of deposits, residues, inclusions and substances
- Identification of materials and additives
FTIR Spectroscopy
FTIR spectroscopy is a quick, reliable method for, among others, the:
- Identification of unknown substances
- Determination of the structure of molecules
- Mapping measurements for the determination of the distribution of solids
FTIR spectroscopy is used in the following areas:
- Residual dirt analysis
- Verification and identification of filmic contamination
- Identification of deposits, residues, inclusions and substances
- Identification of materials and additives
Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX)
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Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, EDX for short, is used in combination with a scanning electron microscope for the:
- Determination of the chemical element composition of a sample
- Quantitative analysis of the individual elements
- Colour depiction of the individual elements as well as their distribution on the surface (mapping)
SEM-EDX analysis is used in the following areas:
- Determination of the chemical element composition of metallic and non-metallic materials and substances
- Analysis of metallic and mineral particles as well as nano particles
- Verification and identification of contamination, deposits and inclusions
- Damage analysis
Optical Emisson Spectrometry (OES)
Optical emission spectrometry (OES), also called spark emission spectrometry, is used for the:
- Determination of the element composition of metal alloys
- Classification of materials based on databases
- Precise measurement with narrow verification limits
OES is used in the following areas:
- Analysis of alloy composition/metal alloys
- Incoming and outgoing goods inspection
- Damage analysis
UV-/VIS Spectroscopy
UV/VIS spectroscopy is a method for the:
- Measurement of the absorption and transmission in the visible (VIS) and ultraviolet (UV) wavelength range
- Quantitative determination of concentrations
- Determination of the absorption maximum
- Routine quantitative assessment of various analytes or samples, e.g. transition metal ions
Applications for Spectroscopy
Plastics industry
In plastics analysis, spectroscopy enables the rapid and precise characterization of materials. Raman and FTIR spectroscopy provide unique spectra that reflect specific molecular vibrations. Using these techniques, we can identify plastics, fibers, and particles as small as 1 µm, detect contaminants, and quantitatively determine known substances. With these methods, we provide you with reliable support for material analysis and quality assurance.
Automotive
In the automotive industry, spectroscopy plays a central role in quality assurance, particularly in the detection of filmic contaminants and particle analysis. It is used to precisely examine components such as transmissions, powertrains, internal combustion and electric motors, and fuel cells. Using these methods, we enable a detailed analysis of surfaces and materials and make a decisive contribution to ensuring the reliability and longevity of your vehicles.
Medical Technology
Identifying contaminants and characterizing materials: In medical technology, mapping measurements combined with Raman and FTIR spectroscopy are an important tool for analyzing implants, stents, and products used in dialysis, transfusion, infusion, and injection. They enable the precise identification of particulate contaminants as well as the characterization of plastics, coatings, and residues. When combined with other methods, the causes of contamination can be quickly determined—an important foundation for quality assurance and product safety.
Environmental Analysis
In environmental analysis, spectroscopy is an important tool for monitoring and assessing environmental pollution, for example, for identifying and quantifying pollutants in air, water, and soil. Using techniques such as UV-Vis, IR, and Raman spectroscopy, we can specifically detect contaminants such as heavy metals, organic pollutants, and toxic compounds.
Packaging Analysis
Determining material compositions, ensuring quality, and meeting regulatory requirements: In packaging analysis, spectroscopy is a key tool for identifying plastics, additives, and coatings. It enables reliable testing of material properties, detection of contaminants, and targeted analysis of critical substance groups such as PFAS and PAHs. Furthermore, it supports the investigation of migration potential between packaging and contents. By utilizing modern spectroscopic methods, manufacturers can efficiently ensure the safety and compliance of their packaging while simultaneously optimizing their quality standards.
Frequently askes Questions about Spectroscopy
Spectroscopy is a scientific method for analyzing materials that involves studying how light or other electromagnetic waves interact with substances. By measuring the absorbed or emitted radiation, conclusions can be drawn about a material’s chemical composition and structure.
This technique is used in many fields, such as chemistry, physics, and materials research, to identify substances and determine their properties. Spectroscopy is frequently used in quality assurance, environmental analysis, and pharmaceutical research.
Spectroscopy enables the analysis of a wide variety of samples in different states. This includes solids such as plastics, metals, and pharmaceutical tablets, to determine their chemical composition and structure. Liquids such as water samples, oils, and chemical substances can be examined for their molecular structure and concentrations. Gases and ultrafine materials such as powders and microplastics can also be analyzed using spectroscopic methods to determine their composition and impurities. This versatility makes spectroscopy a valuable tool in materials analysis and quality control.
There are a wide variety of spectroscopic techniques. The basic distinction is between atomic (e.g., X-ray spectroscopy), molecular (e.g., microwave spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy), solid-state, impedance, and laser spectroscopy.
FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, like UV/VIS spectroscopy, fall under the category of molecular spectroscopy. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX analysis) and optical emission spectrometry (OES) are classified as atomic spectroscopy.
While some of these methods are ideally suited for specific analytical tasks or certain classes of substances, others are virtually universal in their application.
In modern chemistry, spectroscopic methods are not always used in isolation. For example, FTIR spectroscopy can be combined with thermogravimetry (TGA) to identify and quantify decomposition products released during plastic analysis.
In correlative particle analysis, SEM-EDX analysis as well as FTIR and RAMAN spectroscopy can be combined with optical microscopy to identify and classify inorganic and organic particles.
Added value at Quality Analysis
Speed
You receive from us precise measurement results, even at short notice. We have both the necessary personnel and a large range of equipment with the latest spectroscopes.
Quality
We provide highly precise spectrograms of your samples in any quantity. For this purpose, we have more than 1,000 m² of accredited, permanently air-conditioned measuring rooms.
Range of equipment
Our spectroscopes are only from renowned manufacturers and are technically state-of-the-art to ensure a reliable analysis.
Accreditation
The accreditation of our inspection methods and measuring rooms signifies for you certainty, dependability and objectivity in all areas and at any time.
Accredited test laboratory for spectroscopy
Chemical and physico-chemical analytics (CHA) of plastics and elastomers to determine thermal properties and composition, identification and quantification of organic and inorganic substances, materials, residues, deposits and contaminants using FT-lR and energy dispersive (EDX) spectroscopy are accredited by Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH (DAkkS) in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025. Furthermore, all our other specialist areas have also been accredited.
You can read more about the advantages our accreditation offers you here:
QUALITY ANALYSIS
the right partner
for spectroscopy
What can we analyse for you?
We would be pleased to advise you about the numerous possibilities and combined analytical methods. The goal: the best, most cost-effective and most efficient analysis of your material.